Sanchez, who harbored 50 dogs in a Bronx apartment building basement, was arrested in June and indicted in July on multiple charges related to animal fighting, aggravated cruelty to animals, and possession of a weapon. He faces one to three years in prison. If granted parole, Sanchez would be prohibited from owning animals during the length of his parole. He could also face deportation to his native Cuba after his sentence is served.

We’re working nonstop to combat the cruel practice of animal fighting nationwide, and we’re making progress. Earlier this week, legislators reintroduced the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, which would make it a federal offense to attend an organized animal fight and would impose additional penalties for bringing a minor to an animal fight.